By Trisha Garcia | July 14, 2025
CUERO, TX — For the second time in just over a year, Cuero’s City Council is holding the line against proposed gas rate increases from Texas Gas Service Company (TGS), a division of ONE Gas, Inc. On July 14, the council passed Resolution No. 2025-22, officially suspending the utility’s latest request to raise rates—originally scheduled to take effect on August 19, 2025.
🗓️ A Look Back: Rate Controversy Timeline
- June 3, 2024: TGS submitted its first Statement of Intent to increase rates across the Central-Gulf Service Area, including Cuero.
- June 10, 2024: Cuero passed Resolution No. 2024-23, suspending the hike until October 4, 2024.
- September 9, 2024: The council rejected the rate increase entirely, citing unjustified costs.
- June 30, 2025: TGS submitted a new filing for another rate hike, set for August 19.
- July 14, 2025: Cuero passed Resolution No. 2025-22, once again invoking its right to suspend the increase.
What the New Resolution Does The latest resolution delays the rate hike by up to 90 days, the maximum allowed under state law, giving Cuero and a coalition of similarly affected cities—known informally as the “TGS Cities”—time to investigate and respond.
It authorizes Cuero to:
- Hire legal and consulting experts to review TGS’s proposal.
- Collaborate with other cities on a coordinated regulatory and legal response.
- Intervene in proceedings at the Texas Railroad Commission.
- Seek reimbursement from TGS for all related legal and consultant expenses.
Counsel Secured Cuero retained the Austin-based law firm Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend, P.C., known for its expertise in municipal utility cases. The firm will lead negotiations, analysis, and any required litigation or appeals.
Why City Officials Are Pushing Back City representatives argue that TGS’s proposed rate structure lacks justification in terms of customer growth or infrastructure investment. The resolution signals that Cuero is committed to a thorough and fair review before any rate changes take hold.
Ensuring Public Transparency Both resolutions affirm that public notice and access were properly maintained under Texas Open Meetings law—highlighting Cuero’s commitment to accountability in its dealings with utility providers.
Where It Goes from Here Notices have been sent to TGS and legal counsel, and the City will continue collaborating with other municipalities to prepare for regulatory or legal proceedings.
Cuero’s resistance underscores a broader regional effort to hold utility providers accountable and ensure rate fairness for residents. As the battle over pricing continues, the city remains firmly planted in its role as watchdog and advocate.
Next Steps Formal notice of the resolution has been dispatched to TGS and the city’s legal representatives, signaling the start of a robust regulatory response.
This action reinforces Cuero’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and its continued collaboration with neighboring cities in standing up for reasonable utility rates and responsible corporate accountability.